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BETWEEN MALA BEACH AND PINE GROVE

Walk down the Allée Mala.

@VilleDeCapDAil @CapDAilOfﬁciel

Level: Easy / Length: 1 hour and 10 minutes

4 EDEN RESIDENCE

A LITTLE HISTORY At the end of the 19th Century, Cap d’Ail (formerly known as La Turbie-sur-Mer) starts to develop: The Hotel Eden is inaugurated; communication channels improve; and the Principality of Monaco, under the leadership of Prince Charles III, starts to gain it’s high class reputation. In 1921, Cap d’Ail is classed as a resort, today “station classée de tourisme” (tourist oriented city). Until 1940, the city experiences a time of high prosperity. Famous people from politics, ﬁnance, industry and literature meet here. Some - aware of the rising value of the resort - would build magniﬁcent villas. This is the era of the Lumière Brothers, Cécile Sorel, Colette, the exiled Russian Princes, Sacha Guitry, Lord Beaverbrook: the Belle Epoch. Following in their wake, after 1945, Greta Garbo and Winston Churchill would stay or come to live here. Throughout your stay, you’ll have the chance to discover the sumptuous Belle Epoque villas, which for the most part welcomed illustrious guests. Only the “Château des Terrasses”, property of the municipality and the museum “Les Camelias” are opened to the visitors.

Inspired by ﬁn de siècle Italian architecture, the villa was owned by Marquise Buccico. In 1921 the Cottenot family bought the villa. On the sea front, and in a green and natural environment. The garden is special because it contains Phoenix Palms, ﬁrst introduced to the Cote d’Azur in 1864. These palms were a present for Doctor Cottenot from his patients and are almost a hundred years old. The Cottenot family is now celebrating its third generation of doctors.

Built by Baron de Pauville around 1892, the Eden Residence is surrounded by a 4 hectare park. Originally a hotel, the Eden was the reason Cap d’Ail became a resort. The entrance side of the building, that which faces the main gate, is the oldest part of the building. It has three forecourts along its facade, and the front is punctuated by pilasters and pediments. Aside from the entrance porch, there are two verandas, which would have shaded the original hotel restaurant. Containing a grand staircase in its hall, the style is neo Pompeian and its in tempera decorations are beautifully preserved. The hotel contained 150 rooms upon its opening, each of them containing “of the period” modernities. A 50 bedroom annex, each with their own balconies, was added at the start of the 20th century. In the 1930s the eastern facing porch was added, and the hotel was divided into luxury apartments in 1945.

Departure point: Beaverbrook Car Park, named after the famous English lord who left his land in Cap d’Ail to the town upon his death. Opposite, you’ll see Palais Radium.

Built in 1901, the building became a hotel and restaurant in 1911. 1913 saw the addition of shops to the complex, while in 1923 the hotel was divided into private apartments.

Built around 1905, the north face of the villa is adorned with an ornate sculptured scroll upon which the villa’s name is displayed, and is decorated with feuilles d’eau motifs and olive branches. A few steps further along is the abode of one of France’s most famous 20th century stage artists.

Built in the beginning of the 20th century, the villa contains a number of bow-windows, allowing both light and heat to enter - the clientele of this époque came to enjoy the sun of the winter. The Villa Les Camelias can be found, as you face the sea, to the left of the Marizzina. FRENCH

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11 VILLA « LES CAMELIAS »

Included in the Riviera Pass 202 French 4/2025

Local History Museum - “Les Camélias” is a Belle Epoque villa that bears witness to the prestigious past of Cap d’Ail. In addition to Maria de Isasi’s art collection dedicated to Ramiro Arrue, the villa also contains two areas devoted to the unique history of the town. The ground ﬂoor of the villa features numerous pieces that immortalize and typify the life of the residents of Cap d’Ail, showing off the often unusual and sumptuous décor of their daily lives, both of today and of yesteryear. Information : +33 (0)4 93 98 36 57 - www.villalescamelias.com Opposite Les Camelias, on the spot now occupied by La Silvacante, once stood the Villa Alam.

7 VILLA « LES FUNAMBULES »

Departure point: Château des Terrasses, situated just above the Tourist Ofﬁce for a stroll through the Belle Epoque district.

1 CHATEAU DES TERRASSES Built around 1890 for the British banker William Mendel, in the Italian style. Tsarevich George, suffering from bad health, stayed in the Château over the winter of 1895-1896. Today, having been acquired by the town, the renovated Château has become a cultural centre surrounded by a magniﬁcent ﬂoral garden.

Follow Circuit 1 until you reach the La Pinède restaurant, then follow the coast path towards Monaco. Make a stop at the Jardin des Douaniers, haven of peace next to the sea and the Pointe des Douaniers (Cap d’Ail’s extinct volcano plug) - and don’t forget to read the many information panels that line your route. At the end of the path is Plage Marquet (Marquet Beach), set over both for sports and for families. Crossing the beach you’ll arrive at the quayside of the Port of Cap d’Ail, right on the doorstep of Monaco.

Circuit 4

18 CHATEAU MALET The year is 1894. Sir Edward Malet, former British Ambassador in Berlin, commissions the Danish architect Hans Georg Tersling to build this castle. A grand gateway with a Louis Fifteen style forged iron gate connects its two pavilions. In the Visitor’s Book can be found such grand names as Queen Victoria and Princess Beatrice, who visited in 1897, as well as Empress Douairière of Russia, Kings Edward VII and Leopold II of Belgium, Empress Eugenie and the King of Saxony.

Level: Moderate / Length: 2 hours

Take a stroll along the Avenue du 3 Septembre and admire the Notre Dame du Cap Fleuri church on your left.

Follow the road to the right, in the direction of the train station.

2 VILLA MIRASOL

19 EGLISE NOTRE-DAME DU CAP-FLEURI 1909. Built on a parcel of land given to the town by the Onimus family, this parish church was inaugurated on 17th April, 1910, by Monsignor Chapon, the Bishop of Nice. The new church received the title of Our Lady of the Fleuri Cape under the patronage of Saint Charles Borromeo. Father Sajot was named pastor of the new parish. The bells were offered by Zoe Bonthoux, following a vow. The baptismal font is a gift from the Decanale family and was installed 15th May, 1910.

Starting from the cemetery at Place du Souvenir Français, take the Chemin Romain which runs alongside the building plot. Further up, cross the RD37 road with care before taking the old Roman road which leads to La Clé de Sol viewpoint. When you arrive at the radio controlled car racetrack, cross the road and follow the path to the summit of Cap d’Ail, called La Tête de Chien (Dog’s Head).

To take full advantage of the walk, remember to take with you: binoculars, drinking water, and walking shoes. Please respect the environment by staying on the trail and not taking off-track.

NICE CÔTE D’AZUR METROPOLITAN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

CAP D’AIL INFORMATION OFFICE 87 bis av. du 3 septembre - 06320 Cap d’Ail +33 (0)4 93 78 02 33 - info.capdail@nicecotedazurtourisme.com www.explorenicecotedazur.com/cap-dail/

The harbour

20 TOUR SARRASINE La Tour Sarrasine is an ancient guard post for the Principality of Monaco. The tower is now private property.

13 THE TRAIN STATION This little building is witness to an era when the railways were synonymous with the development of the Cote d’Azur tourism industry. The ground floor was the entrance hall, while the station master’s lodge was on the first floor.

Cap d’Ail marina is situated on the border of France and Monaco. The ideal location of Cap d’Ail marina means that you can be in Monte Carlo, hot spot of the Riviera, in a matter of minutes, and also take advantage of the Nice Airport link with a 6 minute helicopter ride. The Monaco heliport is a 3 minute walk from Cap d’Ail marina. This stretch of water covers 47,000 m2 and is protected by two long sea walls with 265 berths, able to take boats of up to 65 metres.

Take the passage under the station, and be transported by the picture post card beauty that greets you. From La Pinède restaurant, walk along the coast path towards Monaco.

As you approach the Point des Douaniers, you’ll ﬁnd Roc Fleuri.

Cercle Nautique de Cap d’Ail Plage Marquet +33 (0)4 93 78 55 50

FRENCH

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28€

24H

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48H

72H

59€

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1 hour kayakin g in your French included Riviera Pass

FRENCH RIVIERA PASS ® VISITEZ PLUS ! DÉPENSEZ MOINS ! VISIT MORE! SPEND LESS!

28€

24H

40€

48H

72H

59€

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Owned by Prince Jean Louis de Faucigny-Lucinge in 1950, the villa was also the residence of the Schlee family. This villa, with its swimming pool and pavilion covering its vast terrace, was often visited by Greta Garbo. A discreet door built into the wall at the base of the garden - and isolated staircase give direct access to the sea. ©MICHAEL ALESI

MARQUET BEACH

Plage Marquet joins the Port of Cap d’Ail to the Monaco border. Popular with both families and sports enthusiasts, the beach offers many activities. It can also be accessed and used by the handicapped.

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, several panoramic footpaths have been created by the National Forestry office. They blend perfectly into the local scenery as the materials used to create them were taken from the very same location. From these paths, a world of magnificent scenery will unfold before your eyes. Overhanging Cap d’Ail and the Principality of Monaco, is the Tête de Chien, a massive limestone formation rising to 500 metres and dating back to Jurassic times, it harbours flora that enjoy an exceptional climate tempered by the Mediterranean coast.

14 VILLA « THE ROCK »

Mirasol was built in 1908 for the writer Gabrielle Reval. The columned loggia which rises to a triple bay terrace with semicircular arches and its staggered terraces bordered by balustrades, in turn crowned by groups of sculptures at each corner, are reminiscent of typical Italian villas.

MAP 2 0 2 4 • 2025

@Ville de Cap d’ail

Useful Information

After their separation with the Tsarevich (future Tsar Nicolas II) Mathilde Kschessinska was the Prima Ballerina of St. Petresbur’s Imperial Theatre met Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovitch. The couple came to stay on the Cote d’Azur and Mathilde Kschessinska purchaded a villa in Cap d’Ail was named a contratraction of Mathilda and is also “mala” backwards, which by coincidence is the name of a nearby part of a Cap d’Ail - Plage Mala (Mala Beach).

We have come to the end of this walk, but you can of course continue your stroll in other parts of Cap d’Ail...

POINTE DES DOUANIERS It’s the Cap d’Ail’s extinct volcano. Andesitic rock in blocks of different colours and sizes can be seen. It is andesite, a volcanic rock. Enjoy a game of pétanque, or let the children play on the playground, or just admire the mix of Mediterranean ﬂora sprouting from the volcanic rock.

12 VILLA « ALAM »

Overlooking the sea, the Parc Sacha Guitry is most inviting encouraging you to stroll, read or relax, all while lost in your thoughts. It is situated just opposite Sacha Guitry’s villa, Les Funambules. Different types of Mediterranean ﬂora can be found in the park, such as carob trees - the seeds of which are almost uniform in weight, and were thus used as an ideal scale for measuring gold. Indeed, “carat” is derived from the name carob.

CAP D’AIL SEEN FROM ABOVE

@Ville de Cap d’ail

8 PARC SACHA GUITRY

At the bottom of Avenue Charles Blanc, on your left, can be seen the Lumière Brothers’ villa.

Going up Avenue du 3 Septembre, you’ll discover the Château de l’Hermitage also known as Château Mallet.

Continue along the path and admire the small cove just before the restaurant, La Pinède, before climbing the stairs to return to the calm of the Parc Sacha Guitry.

In 1926 the villa was sold to Lord Beaverbrook, Minister for Aircraft Production during World War II, later a diplomat and director of the London newspaper, the Daily Express. A great friend of Winston Churchill, whom Beaverbrook would invite here many times.

Opposite the church, on the mountain side, rises the Residence Cap Fleuri.

Les Funambules - the Tightropes in English - was built in 1911 and bought in 1927 by the actor and dramatist Sacha Guitry who described the villa as “being reached by a zigzag path, the inside was decorated with cupolas and statues. Palms and mimosas wave softly in the garden under the slightest of breezes”. The villa boasts a magniﬁcent sunlit view over the Mediterranean from its extensive terraces, but is protected from the elements by the sheer size of its bay windows and the rooftop garden terrace belvederes (open sided summer houses).

Visit by appointment at the Tourist ofﬁce: T: +33 (0)4 93 78 02 33 Cross the road in the direction of the sea, and follow Avenue Charles Blanc.

Nestled at the foot of tall cliffs with a beach of pebbles and ﬁne sand. Accessed either via the Littoral coastal path or via the Mala steps which run alongside the great and illustrious Eden Residence.

As you walk down Avenue des Combattants.

Further along the trail, overlooking the sea, you’ll discover ancient quarry millstones.

MALA BEACH

On the way to the sea, next to the “Pointe des Douaniers”, this parkland planted with citrus and Mediterranean species encourages you to stroll by.

17 VILLA « CAPPONCINA »

6 VILLA « LES MOUETTES »

Level: Easy / Length: 40 minutes

Level: Easy / Length: 1 hour and 40 minutes

16 LE JARDIN DES DOUANIERS

@Ville de Cap d’ail

Located at the tip of Cap Mala, the house dates from 1927 and belonged to the Earl of Orgeix. In 1950, it became the property of Fernand Edmee Cumon, ex-wife of Jean Camille, the Count of Offenbach. The villa is classically inspired, enjoys exceptional sea views, and offers a landscaped garden with lawns, trees and isolated copses that shade the swimming pool. A concrete faux-antique arch opens to the sea. Les Roches is now called Cap sur Vik.

BETWEEN MALA BEACH AND PINE GROVE

TOWARDS MONACO

Take Avenue des Douaniers instead of following the coastline.

After walking down the hundred or so steps below the Eden Residence, you’ll discover one of the most beautiful coves of the Cote d’Azur: Plage Mala (Mala Beach). Admire its beauty, framed by many shades of nature’s green, before taking the coastal path, the Littoral. At the cape, on your left, can be seen the Villa Les Roches.

5 VILLA « LES ROCHES »

Circuit 1

Circuit 3

At the top of the avenue Onimus you will ﬁnd Villa Capponcina in your right.

9 RADIUM

10 VILLA MARIZZINA

The beaches

www.cap-dail.fr

15 VILLA « LE ROC FLEURI »

Circuit 2

Built around 1902 for Auguste Lumière, Villa Lumière was part of a set of three belonging to the same family, of which one other, the Villa Helios, still stands. The horseshoe steps, the two bay windows bracketed into the corners and the wealth of sculpted architecture, give the front of the property a truly monumental feel.

CAP D’AIL

3 VILLA LUMIERE

21 AVENTURES

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entre mer et montagne !

21 ADVENTURES

between the sea and the mountains

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15€

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